Grandma’s Wisdom

“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long-life bring understanding?” Job 12:12 NIV

December 18, 1991

 Grandma,

 In the time when you are weak God is strong. Take up the Whole Armor that you may stand in these evil days. Gear up with the Belt of Truth, then put on your Breastplate of Righteousness, on your feet is Peace shield yourself with Faith, protect your head with the Helmet of Salvation, and in your hand is the Sword, which is the Word of God.

 Love your Granddaughter,

 Jannie V. Cudjo

 I was twenty-two years old when I wrote this loving message to my grandmother. I found it in her Bible, still neatly folded between the pages. My grandma, Madea, Jannie V. Taylor Green passed away March 16, 2013. When I found the forgotten note, I took my time reflecting on those sweet memories of her and I laughing together, as I drove us to the grocery store. I would push the buggy as she went from isle to isle with her list in hand. And the cooking she would do, yep I just kept my plastic bowl in my car, cause I was gonna want to take some of whatever she cooked home. Even after all these years, I still get sentimental when I think of her. But I focus on those sweet memories that bring a smile to my face. I was blessed to have had her to share in a great many of the milestones in my life. She was always there with love and support for me.

Lately I have been thinking a lot about the wisdom my grandmother shared. She taught by example. She took care of business, stretching every penny. She always took the time to show me how to do thing. It was never a bother. I think she enjoyed teaching us kids. My grandmama loved me like the rock of ages, she loved me. Grandma knew God for herself and reminded me to keep Him first. Her selfless acts of love and prayers made room for my family’s dreams. She encouraged us to live life, and the importance of pushing through to fulfill our goals.

If you are blessed to have your grandma, show her love. Make the time to go by and see her. Don’t put off what you can do today. Give her those flowers so she can smell them right now. She needs to see your love in action: kindness, gentleness, joy, and laughter. Let there be no regrets of what you should or could have done. Friends, if we keep living, we too, will be those seniors needing all the love, understanding, and compassion others can give.

Allow me to share this short exert from my first book, Out of the Belly:

As I wiped the tears from my eyes, I took my finally loving look at my grandma, who was sleeping in the bosom of God. I knew he would take good care of her for the family and me. In my few moments standing there alone, I spoke in just a whisper, “I will carry the love and memories of you as long as I live. It will never be goodbye, and one day, if I live my life half as good as you did, I will see you face to face. Oh, what a reunion that will be. Until such a day, I will smile when I think of you. Oh, one more thing, could you do me a favor? While you are up there singing with the angels, can you keep an eye on me?”

Did I tell you she looked beautiful in pink?

Remember Friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.